The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: badbmwbrad on October 19, 2011, 06:02:13 AM
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This R65 group has a lot of knowledgeable folks and I appreciate all the help I've received with my new-to-me 1983 R65LS.
My cap couldn't be removed. I reviewed the design weaknesses of the fuel tank cap at Anton Largiader's site. Considerable force was applied to unscrew the cap. It ratcheted three clicks and I stopped.
It finally came off after a bit of penetrating oil was sprayed beneath the rain skirt. I don't know if there is any internal damage to the plastic core or to plastic ratchet housing surrounding the lock barrel.
The original rose-colored cap gasket broke up and has been replaced with a new double-lipped gasket ordered from MAX BMW.
The seated cap rocks and wobbles on the tank. Is this typical?
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The seated cap rocks and wobbles on the tank. Is this typical?
That's a sign that the new gasket is not the right dimensions - probably too thick. When I replaced my 30 year old gasket while I was waiting for a new one to be delivered I made do with a standard O ring which actually worked Just fine once I figured out the right size. Fitting O rings of different thicknesses I could get the cap to wobble as you have described. With a gasket of the correct thickness screwing down the cap puts tension between the lower part and the top part removing the wobble.
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Brad,
To the best of my knowledge the only available replacement gas cap gasket is for 1977-on airheads and is a different configuration than the OEM cap seal. I found as you, it does not fit the tank filler lip as the original, but it does seal adequately and well with a little "wiggle" at the cap and seems to be typical for this fitment.
51 25 1 453 148 Gas Cap Gasket 77-on Airhead.
I also had to replace the cap ring or rain guard on my cap and it too seems to be of a different material than the original soft and subtle material. The replacement is quite stiff and seems to be made of plastic instead of the OEM soft rubber.
16 11 2 307 360 Gas Cap Filler Ring.
Even though I've never had serious trouble with any of my caps other than having to drill a vent hole, I heed the warning of others and never tighten fully or use the lock. Looking for wood to knock on...
-Mike V.